Birmingham Hotels

Best places to stay in Birmingham

If you’re a first-time visitor to Birmingham, the main city centre area is a safe bet. This will put you within easy reach of the bonanza of shopping options, including the famous Bullring & Grand Central, plus two train stations (New Street and Moor Street) a short walk away. If you’re making a beeline for the city’s nightlife, then consider staying in Westside. The area has had a major facelift in recent years and is home to some of Birmingham’s biggest nightclubs. It also boasts the draw of canal-side living, with the Gas Street Basin area a great spot for al fresco dining and drinking. For a more bohemian vibe, Digbeth is a creative hub with eclectic and trendy accommodation and eateries, located just east of the city centre. Lastly, the well-known Jewellery Quarter is the perfect place to pick out a sparkly ring, but it also boasts stunning Georgian and Victorian architecture and a relaxed vibe.

Where to stay to be near the popular attractions in Birmingham

Many of Birmingham’s top attractions are found right in the city centre, including the iconic Bullring, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, and the city’s top-rated attraction according to TripAdvisor, the Back to Backs. Here, visitors can book a guided tour to explore 200 years of history in atmospheric 19th-century houses. The Westside/Convention Quarter area is ideal for cultural hotspots like the International Convention Centre, Symphony Hall, the Ikon Gallery, and the eye-catching architecture of the Library of Birmingham. Cricket fans, meanwhile, will enjoy a stay in quiet, leafy Edgbaston near the famous stadium, where there’s also a reservoir and botanical gardens for a day out in nature.

Where to stay with your family in Birmingham

The area around Old Turn Junction on the canal is a great spot to stay for families, with the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre and National SEA LIFE Centre facing each other on opposite sides of the water. The canal paths are a perfect place for a family stroll, with plenty of interesting sights to point out. Alternatively, head out of the centre to the peaceful suburb of Bournville and stay near the city’s big-name family attraction, Cadbury World, a fully functioning chocolate factory with tons to do including the 4D Chocolate Adventure, Bournville Experience and African Adventure play areas.

Where to stay as a solo traveller

Solo travellers in search of a Birmingham hotel will feel right at home in Digbeth, the city’s coolest district. A stay at a hostel like Birmingham Central Backpackers provides the perfect opportunity to meet like-minded fellow travellers and explore the area’s myriad bars and restaurants, including games bar, The Floodgate and Birmingham’s oldest pub, The Old Crown (dating all the way back to 1368!). Mingle with the locals at vintage fairs and food fests, or take a couple of hours for yourself at the independent Mockingbird Cinema. It’s also just a short hop back to the Bullring if you decide that a bit of retail therapy is in order.

Where to find cheap hotels in Birmingham

If budget is your number one priority when searching for a hotel in Birmingham, look no further than easyHotel Birmingham. The no-frills rooms are available for as little as £40 a night, with the windowless option offering the maximum savings. If you’re in need of a few more amenities, though, try Square to Staycity Aparthotels in the Jewellery Quarter, where you can get an apartment with its own living area and kitchenette for as little as ~£60/night. Visiting the NEC for an event? The ibis Styles Birmingham NEC & Airport is super-convenient with its location just a 5-minute stroll away. Doubles are available for under £100 a night, and the on-site restaurant and bar will take care of any cravings. For something a little fancier, Malmaison Birmingham is an elegant boutique hotel with its own gym and spa. Get the dates right, and you can find double rooms for less than £100.

Shopper’s Paradise

You’ll be spoilt for choice here, with a fantastic selection of stores. The Bull Ring shopping centre, in the heart of the city, has all the key high street and designer fashion brands, such as Monsoon, Top Man, Armani and Gucci. For shoes, Sims Footwear in the Great Western Arcade is a must-visit for Dr Martin, Fly, and other faves. If you love jewellery, spend some time in the famous Jewelry Quarter, where you can see talented craftsmen at work making unique items.

Food From Around the World

Birmingham is a foodie’s paradise, with plenty of tasty restaurants and cafes to choose from. The city’s famous ‘Balti Triangle’ area offers a good sample of the curries on offer here, attracting celebrities such as Adrian Chiles and David Cameron. Delicious Chinese food can be found in Chinatown, particularly at Café Soya, a favourite with many locals. Try the delicious Soya Dessert pudding and see what you’ve been missing.

Bars in Birmingham City Centre

For some liquid refreshment to wash down all that food, there are lots of interesting venues close to hotels in Birmingham city centre. The Post Office Vault is a cosy underground bar with a great range of specialist beers. If you’d like a bar with its own Jacuzzi, try the elegant Chi on Newhall Street, which also has a New York loft-style cocktail bar. Equally impressive is The Lost and Found, a cocktail bar themed on the botanical adventures of Victorian explorer Hettie G. Watson. Prepare to enter a world of wonder, complete with floral designs and a secret bar.

Music

Birmingham has a strong musical legacy, with famous bands such as Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath starting out here. Carrying on the tradition are local indie bands such as Peace, Swim Deep, and Jaws, operating out of Digbeth, or B-Town, as it’s known for its music scene. For larger acts, venues such as The NIA and the LG Arena present big names such as Robbie Williams and Lady Gaga. Cheap hotels in Birmingham usually fill up quickly when big acts are on in the city.

Culture and Museums

There are lots of resources in Birmingham where you can discover more about Birmingham’s rich history. The National Trust’s Birmingham Back to Back Houses attraction allows you to wander through restored houses from the industrial era, while the Black Country Living Museum recreates an entire village as it would have looked during the nineteenth century.

The Must-Sees of Birmingham

Birmingham is a city brimming with culture, history, and innovation. Here are some top attractions and landmarks that define this vibrant city:

1. Museum of the Jewellery Quarter: A fascinating look into Birmingham's renowned jewellery-making heritage, set in the historic Smith & Pepper Factory.

2. St. Philip's Cathedral: Admire the stunning stained-glass windows and attend concerts at this historic cathedral, one of England's smallest.

3. Barber Institute of Fine Arts: Houses an impressive collection of art spanning from the Renaissance to the 20th century, located near Birmingham University.

4. National Exhibition Centre (NEC) & Resorts World Birmingham: Offers a variety of consumer shows, concerts, restaurants, shops, and family attractions like the Bear Grylls Adventure.

5. Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park: Home to a variety of animals, including red pandas and lemurs, perfect for a family day out.

6. Cadbury World, Bournville: Explore the history of chocolate and the story of Cadbury, one of the world's largest confectioneries.

7. Black Country Living Museum, Dudley: An open-air museum that offers insight into the history of mining and industrial life in the region.

Museums and Cultural Heritage

Museums:

• Pen Museum: Located in the Jewellery Quarter, this museum delves into Birmingham's pen-making industry and offers visitors the chance to make their own steel nib.

• Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery: It's a key cultural spot to keep on your radar for future visits.

Museums for Kids:

• Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum: Engages children with interactive exhibits spanning science and technology.

Theatres:

• Birmingham Hippodrome: One of the city's premier venues for ballet, opera, and touring Broadway shows.

• The Alexandra Theatre: Offers a mix of musicals, comedy, and drama.

Churches:

• St. Martin in the Bull Ring: A historic church offering a quiet space amidst the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

Libraries:

• Library of Birmingham: Not just a place for books, this modern architectural marvel hosts exhibitions, music performances, and workshops.

Birmingham's attractions span the spectrum from cultural institutions and historic sites to family-friendly destinations and artistic venues. Whether you're a history buff, art lover, or looking for family entertainment, Birmingham has something to offer for everyone.

Party and nightlife in Birmingham

Birmingham offers a dynamic nightlife scene, from underground clubs to vibrant concert halls, catering to every taste.

Night clubs: For a unique night out, SERVE Birmingham combines ping pong with a nightclub atmosphere, offering an innovative experience alongside food and drinks. Revolution Birmingham on Broad Street is a hotspot for those looking to dance the night away, known for its premium vodka collection and lively vibe.

Concert halls: The city is home to a range of venues hosting live music and performances. The O2 Institute in Digbeth, with its rich history and intimate setting, offers a diverse lineup from emerging artists to established acts.

Secret party spots: The Jekyll and Hyde bar offers an intriguing setting with its Victorian-themed decor and quirky cocktails, making it a unique spot for a night out. For those interested in exploring hidden gems, The Ruin, inspired by Budapest's famous ruin bars, provides a laid-back atmosphere with an excellent beer selection.

Best neighbourhoods for going out: The Jewellery Quarter is renowned for its historic charm and contemporary bars like 40 St Paul's, which was proclaimed the World Gin Bar of the Year, offering an extensive selection of gins. Digbeth is another key area, known for its street art, indie music scene, and venues like The Ruin, which add to the area's vibrant nightlife.

Birmingham's nightlife is as diverse as the city itself, offering everything from upscale bars to casual pubs and everything in between. Whether you're in the mood for a relaxed evening or an all-night dance party, Birmingham's nightlife has something to offer.

Hotels with gourmet restaurants

Nestled inside The Grand Hotel, Isaac’s has the vibe of an old-time New York diner with its green leather booths and gleaming tiles. This joint pairs sophisticated classics, including carpaccio, scallops and oysters, with mouth-watering comfort food like burgers and mac & cheese. Check out the restaurant’s Taco Tuesday or Wednesday Steak Night for superb food at a great price.

Spa hotels in Birmingham

Situated in a sleek skyscraper right in the heart of Birmingham, the Hyatt Regency is just a stone’s throw from all the major sights and boasts the state-of-the-art Amala Spa. Enjoy the large heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, whirlpool, and cold-water plunge pool, not to mention the Turkish hammam and a private hammam treatment room. And if you fancy something more active, there’s a gym and cardio training room to boot.

Exceptional hotels

If your idea of an exceptional Birmingham hotel is something with unique and striking architecture, then Staying Cool at Rotunda should be right up your street. This selection of 35 boutique apartments is perched atop the iconic Sixties landmark, offering wonderful views, particularly from the balcony of the penthouse, where you can survey the city like it’s your kingdom.

Luxury hotels in Birmingham

Small but perfectly formed, Edgbaston House in the leafy village of the same name is the epitome of quiet luxury. The interior is an Art Deco dream, with gleaming chandeliers and chequered tiles aplenty. The oh-so-elegant cocktail bar downstairs is one of Birmingham’s finest, and Michelin-starred restaurant Simpsons is just down the road. Snag one of the six sought-after rooms and see for yourself.